Judith Lynn Vining

Judith “Judy" Deason Vining, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, just 68 years old, peacefully drew her last earthly breath at 3:29am on Monday, May 9th, 2022, mere hours after Mother’s Day. Surrounded by those she loved most in this world, the family held her tight through her last heartbeat as she met the face of Jesus.

Born Judith Lynn Deason in Warner-Robbins, Georgia on February 19, 1954, she entered this world as Baby A, three minutes before her best friend and twin sister, Debbie. The Deason twins were adored by all growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. While the stories are both priceless and endless, their fun and innocent twin antics sure did make life interesting for their parents and two other sisters, Vicki and Margaret (Peggy). As the years passed, ’the sisters’ grew closer and closer, having never missed their annual weekend together. Their love for each other runs deeper than the deepest of oceans. A love that is never-ending.

She married the love of her life, Charles Vining, in 1981. Charlie and Judy poured their hearts and souls into raising two beautiful children, Lynn Vining (Charlie’s daughter from a previous marriage) and Ken Vining (Judy’s son from a previous marriage). They planted seeds in Hopkins, SC and watched them grow for twenty-nine years up until Charlie passed in 2016.

Judy dedicated her professional career to both Republic Contracting and I-Tech International (a company that she and Charlie founded and owned for many years). She was the epitome of what every business owner looks for in an employee. A compassionate friend to colleagues, a loyal and hardworking teammate and a spirited soul who never wanted to disappoint the bosses.

When she wasn’t working, the sun rose and set with her ‘sonshine’, Ken. The two had a bond that every mom dreams of having. Her whole world was his world leading up to his marriage to Kristin Hill in 2000. Life continued to grow and flourish as all aspire. Traveling together, holidays together, endless conversations, nail-biting moments watching Ken climb the big league ladder and supporting the two of them as the fought four long years to bring grandchildren into this world.

Then her whole world took on a new meaning and purpose. She became “Grammie” to two precious twins of her own, Bray and Addy Vining. Her greatest treasures next to her ‘sonshine’, she never missed a moment with them. Through the pregnancy, birth and every milestone, they were her pride and joy - her greatest gifts.

Judy was diagnosed with cancer in late December 2019. It was a devastating blow, yet despite the news she never complained, displayed sadness or depression. She instantly went into fighting mode and made sure the journey was navigated with grace and happiness. Doom and gloom was not part of her vocabulary or belief. She dove into nutrition, research and aligned with the most loving and renowned doctors. She not only flew through what should have been debilitating chemo and radiation treatments (never lost her hair or got super sick), she moreover defied statistics with her positive energy. What should have been fourteen months or less turned into two and a half years. Her strength through the very end was powerful and positive.

Those who knew her closely knew her love for pickles and Diet Coke. Whether she was ordering nuggets from Chick-fil-a, eating a hamburger or sitting at home, she consumed them by both cup and jar fulls, and had a stash of Diet Coke bottles to last a lifetime. The family always joked about the indulgence, yet in the end the joke was on them. When her sodium levels dropped to dangerously low levels while in the hospital, the doctors immediately required “No Free Water” and insisted on high sodium meals. Words the family never thought they would hear, but were music to Judy’s ears.

Judy was predeceased by her parents, Harry Romine Deason and Helen Henning Deason; husband, Charles Bruce Vining. She is survived by her son, Ken (Kristin) Vining; grandchildren Bray and Addy Vining; sisters, Debbie (Cary) Smith, Vicki (Glenn) Fountain, and Margaret (Tony) Stephens; step-daughter Lynn Vining; grandchildren Tony and Charlie Veilleux and several nieces and nephews.

It was her request that a ‘Pool Party’ be thrown as her Celebration of Life. The 4th of July was one of her favorite holidays and wedding anniversary to Charlie. What better way to honor her than to invite those who loved her most to light up the night in tribute to her amazing life lived! Ken and Kristin Vining will host the ceremony on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 at 1pm followed by a reception serving her favorite foods (deviled eggs, BBQ, rum cake, pickles and Diet Coke). Evening will commence with a firework display that will reach the heavens!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Vining family.